Setting touch sensitivity for a motorized drape

ABSTRACT

A method for controlling a drapery assembly is disclosed that opens and close a drape based on low and high touch sensitivity signature values that are established manually by the user. The method comprises pressing at least one button to initiate setting low touch sensitivity value; detecting a first manual movement of the drape; determining a first number of ticks using an encoder associated with the first manual movement; determining a low end user sensitivity signature value by calculating the average first number of ticks of the encoder; pressing at least one another button to initiate setting high touch sensitivity value; detecting a second manual movement of the drape; determining a second number of ticks using the encoder associated with the second manual movement; and determining a high end user sensitivity signature value by calculating the average first number of ticks of the encoder over the first time period.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field

Aspects of the embodiments relate generally to drapery track systems, and more specifically to system and method for controlling a motorized drapery track assembly.

Background Art

Drapery track systems for use to cover openings or fixtures in residential and commercial settings have made significant improvements in recent years. A drapery track system typically consists of a track, track carriers, drape attached to the track carriers, and a mechanism for moving the drape back and forth along the track. The track is mounted either to a wall or ceiling and the mechanism for moving the drape can be as simple as a pull cord-pulley system.

More sophisticated drapery track systems use a motor to move the drape along the track. Motorized drapery track systems can be automated to automatically open and close. Unlike a manually controlled drapery system, where the user walks up to the window and opens or closes the drape using a cord, a wand, or by pulling on the drape, motorized drapery systems make it easy to open or close one or multiple drape with the touch of a button, or by programming them to automatically move at a specific time with no direct user interaction.

However, typical motorized drapery systems use a standard user interface for setting up motion parameters and options to operate the system. Some of these features have customizable values with a very limited range options. Particularly for motorized drapery systems, when setting up motion parameters such as the force or touch sensitivity to trigger an open and close of drape, these parameters are typically set in an ad hoc or fuzzy value that might not be easily quantized or intuitively matched by all users in the same way. For example, what might be a very light tug for a strong individual user might end up being a medium intensity pull for another user. Further, there are times when a user may want to quickly manually move just a little fabric, and this might trigger the unintentional motorized action.

Accordingly, a need has arisen for system and method for setting touch sensitivity signature values for drape to open and close that are unique to a user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the embodiments to substantially solve at least the problems and/or disadvantages discussed above, and to provide at least one or more of the advantages described below.

It is therefore a general aspect of the embodiments to provide system and method for drapery track systems that will obviate or minimize problems of the type previously described.

It is an aspect of the embodiment to provide system and method for establishing a touch sensitivity signature value for a drapery track system that is based on the user's tugging or pulling of the drape to open and close positions.

It is a further aspect of the embodiment to provide system and method for establishing low and high touch sensitivity signature values for a drapery track system that is based on the user's tugging or pulling of the drape to open and close.

It is a further aspect of the embodiment to provide system and method for storing the user sensitivity signature values.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Further features and advantages of the aspects of the embodiments, as well as the structure and operation of the various embodiments, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is noted that the aspects of the embodiments are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Such embodiments are presented herein for illustrative purposes only. Additional embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the embodiments, a method for controlling a motorized drape comprises pressing at least one button to initiate setting low touch sensitivity value, detecting a first manual movement of the drape during a first time period using a sensor for sensitivity setup, determining a first number of ticks using an encoder associated with the first manual movement during the time period, determining a low end user sensitivity signature value by calculating the average first number of ticks of the encoder over the first time period, storing the low end user sensitivity signature value in a memory, pressing at least one another button to initiate setting high touch sensitivity value, detecting a second manual movement of the drape during the first time period using a sensor for sensitivity setup, determining a second number of ticks using the encoder associated with the second manual movement during the time period, determining a high end user sensitivity signature value by calculating the average first number of ticks of the encoder over the first time period, and storing the high end user sensitivity signature value in a memory.

According to another aspect of the embodiments, drapery track assembly comprises a track, a drape attached to the track, and a motor assembly coupled to the track. The motor assembly comprises at least one button configured to initiate setting low touch sensitivity value, a sensor for sensitivity setup is configured to detect a first manual movement of the drape during a first time period, an encoder configured to determine a first number of ticks associated with the first manual movement during the first time period, a controller configured to determine a low end user sensitivity signature value by calculating the average first number of ticks of the encoder over the first time period, a memory configured to store the low end user sensitivity signature value, and at least one another button configured to initiate setting high touch sensitivity value. The sensor for sensitivity setup is configured to detect a second manual movement of the drape during the first time period. The encoder is configured to determine a second number of ticks associated with the second manual movement during the time period. The controller is configured to determine a high end user sensitivity signature value by calculating the average first number of ticks of the encoder over the first time period and the memory configured to store the high end user sensitivity signature value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects and features of the embodiments will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the following figures. Different aspects of the embodiments are illustrated in reference figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered to be illustrative rather than limiting. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the aspects of the embodiments. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary motorized drapery track assembly traveling according to an illustrative aspect of the embodiments.

FIG. 2 is an illustrative block diagram of a motor assembly for use in the drapery track assembly according to an illustrative aspect of the embodiments.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary diagram illustrating a cross section of the motor assembly according to an illustrative aspect of the embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the steps for a method of controlling a motorized drape according to an illustrative aspect of the embodiments.

FIG. 5 is another flowchart illustrating the steps for a method of controlling a motorized drape according to an illustrative aspect of the embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the inventive concept are shown. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The embodiments may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art. The scope of the embodiments is therefore defined by the appended claims. The detailed description that follows is written from the point of view of a control systems company, so it is to be understood that generally the concepts discussed herein are applicable to various subsystems and not limited to only a particular controlled device or class of devices described herein.

Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the embodiments. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” on “in an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, the particular feature, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS FOR THE ELEMENTS IN THE DRAWINGS IN NUMERICAL ORDER

The following is a list of the major elements in the drawings in numerical order.

-   -   100 Drapery Track Assembly     -   101 Opening     -   102 Track     -   103 Motor Assembly     -   104 Master Carrier     -   105 Auxiliary Carriers     -   108 Drapery or Drape     -   109 Drapery Supporting Elements     -   110 Controller     -   112 External Control Point     -   113 Pleats     -   114 Leading Top Edge     -   115 Top Edge     -   116 Closing Direction     -   117 Opening Direction     -   201 Motor     -   202 CPU     -   203 Memory     -   204 Hall Effect Sensors     -   205 Interface     -   206 Power Supply     -   207 User Interface     -   208 Current Sensing Circuit     -   209 Button     -   210 Light Emitting Diode (LED)     -   300 Encoder     -   302 Printed Circuit Board (PCB) for Encoder     -   304 Output Shaft     -   400 Flowchart illustrating the steps for controlling a motorized         drape     -   405 Step of pressing at least one button to initiate setting low         touch sensitivity value     -   410 Step of detecting a first manual movement of the drape     -   415 Step of determining a first number of ticks using an encoder     -   420 Step of determining a low end user sensitivity signature         value     -   425 Step of storing the low end user sensitivity signature value     -   430 Step of pressing at least one another button to initiate         setting high touch sensitivity value     -   435 Step of detecting a second manual movement of the drape     -   440 Step of determining a second number of ticks using the         encoder     -   445 Step of determining a high end user sensitivity signature         value     -   450 Step of storing the high end user sensitivity signature         value     -   500 Flowchart illustrating the steps for controlling a motorized         drape     -   505 Step of pressing at least one button to initiate setting low         touch sensitivity value     -   510 Step of detecting a first manual movement of the drape     -   515 Step of determining a first number of ticks using an encoder     -   520 Step of determining a low end user sensitivity signature         value     -   525 Step of storing the low end user sensitivity signature value     -   530 Step of turning on and off at least one LED in response to         the low end user sensitivity signature being stored in the         memory     -   535 Step of pressing at least one another button to initiate         setting high touch sensitivity value     -   540 Step of detecting a second manual movement of the drape     -   545 Step of determining a second number of ticks using the         encoder     -   550 Step of determining a high end user sensitivity signature         value     -   555 Step of storing the high end user sensitivity signature         value     -   560 Step of turning on and off at least one LED in response to         the high end user sensitivity signature being stored in the         memory     -   565 Step of detecting an operational manual movement of the         drape     -   570 Step of determining a third number of ticks     -   575 Step of creating an operational sensitivity value     -   580 Step of determining if the operational sensitivity value is         greater than the low end user sensitivity signature value and         less than the high end user sensitivity value     -   585 Step of moving the drape to a different position     -   590 Step of keeping the drape in the same position

List of Acronyms Used in the Specification in Alphabetical Order

The following is a list of the acronyms used in the specification in alphabetical order.

-   -   AC Alternating Current     -   ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit     -   CAT5 Category 5     -   CPU Central Processing Unit     -   DC Direct Current     -   IR Infrared     -   LAN Local Area Network     -   LED Light Emitting Diode     -   PoE Power over Ethernet     -   RISC Reduced Instruction Set     -   RAM Random-Access Memory     -   RF Radio Frequency     -   ROM Read-Only Memory

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Aspects of the embodiments relate generally to drapery track systems, and more specifically to setup touch sensitivity signature values. While the different aspects of the embodiments described herein pertain to the context of drapery track systems, they are not limited thereto, except as may be set forth expressly in the appended claims. For example, the methods described herein can be used on any type of motorized track systems, such as motorized doors, panels, gates, or the like. The embodiments described herein may be further adapted in other types of motorized window or door treatments, such as motorized roller shades, inverted rollers, Roman shades, Austrian shades, pleated shades, blinds, shutters, skylight shades, garage doors, or the like.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an illustrative diagram of a drapery track assembly 100 for use in either a residential or commercial settings. Drapery track assembly 100 may be mounted to a wall or a ceiling using hardware (not shown) above a window or opening 101. The drapery assembly 100 may include a track 102, a motor assembly 103, a master carrier 104 and auxiliary carriers 105. The drapery track assembly 100 may further comprise one or more drape 108 comprising fabric or other covering material. Drape assemblies typically fall into one of two categories: single drape assemblies or double drape assemblies. For example, the drapery track assembly 100 may comprise a single drape assembly, as shown in FIG. 1, including a single drape 108. In another embodiment, the drapery track assembly 100 may comprise a double drape assembly that includes two drapes, each covering a portion of an opening. Each drape in a double drape assembly is attached to a master carrier that closes toward and opens away from the center of the opening. The two master carriers may be synchronized to move in unison (i.e., both are opening or both are closing). While the present embodiments are described with reference to a single drape assembly, the techniques described herein may apply to either the single drape assembly, the double drape assembly, or any number of drape assemblies.

Track 102 may comprise a longitudinal body made up of one, two, or several track pieces joined together. Track 102 may comprise a channel disposed therein configured to retain carriers 104 and 105. Carriers 104 and 105 may be held in movable linear mechanical restraint within the channel of track 102 and may comprise wheels (not shown) allowing carriers 104 and 105 to linearly travel within the channel of track 102. Carriers 104 and 105 may comprise drapery supporting elements 109, such as hooks or loops, designed to retain pre-strengthened points or holes along the top edge 115 of the drape 108. Particularly, the master carrier 104 is attached to the leading top edge 114 of the drape 108 and the auxiliary carriers 105 are attached along the remainder top edge 115 of the drape 108 at substantially equal intervals. As a result, the drape 108 comprises vertical pleats 113 between the carriers 104 and 105.

The motor assembly 103 may comprise a controller 110 and a motor 201 (FIGS. 2 and 3) for driving the master carrier 104 along track 102. According to an embodiment, the motor 201 may be configured to spin an output shaft 304 (FIG. 3) in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction, depending on the desired direction of travel. The output shaft 304 may be connected to a gearing assembly configured to drive a drive belt or a timing belt. The master carrier 104 may be driven by the belt such that rotating the motor 201 in one direction causes the master carrier 104 to linearly move along the length of the track 102 in direction 116 and pull the leading edge 114 of the drape 108 as well as the auxiliary carriers 105 to extend the drape 108 to a closed position. Similarly, rotating the motor 201 in an opposite direction causes the master carrier 104 to linearly move along the length of the track 102 in direction 117 and push the leading edge 114 of the drape 108 as well as the auxiliary carriers 105 to retract the drape 108 to an opened position. In one embodiment, the drapery track assembly 100 may comprise similar configuration to the drapery track system shown and disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,631, filed Sep. 8, 2014, and titled “Drapery Track System”, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. In another embodiment, instead of a timing belt, the drapery track assembly 100 may utilize a pulley system, or the like.

To extend and retract the drape 108 to a desired position, the master carrier 104 linearly travels along the length of the track 102 according to a control command signal received by the controller 110. According to an embodiment, the controller 110 may receive control commands from an external control point 112, such as a user interface in a form of a keypad. The user interface 112 may be wired to the controller 110 or may transmit control commands wirelessly to the controller 110. In a further embodiment, the control command may also comprise information pertaining to the desired speed of the master carriers 104. The speed of the master carriers 104 may be varied to account for circumstances or application. In some instances, a smooth non-disruptive motion of the drape 108 is preferred. In other instances, the drape 108 may need to be closed suddenly. This is particularly useful in certain applications such as in a theater where large drapes are opened and closed at various times and speeds for dramatic effect.

FIG. 2 is an illustrative block diagram of a motor assembly 103. The motor assembly includes a controller 110 for use in the drapery track assembly 100 and a motor 201 according to one embodiment. The controller 110 is connected to the motor 201, which is configured to drive the master carrier 104. According to an embodiment, the motor 201 may be a brushless direct current (DC) motor.

In an embodiment, the controller 110 may comprise of a central processing unit (CPU) 202. The controller 110 for setting up or establishing sensitivity signature values may be based on the CPU 202. CPU 202 can represent one or more microprocessors, and the microprocessors can be “general purpose” microprocessors, a combination of general and special purpose microprocessors, or application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Additionally, or alternatively, the CPU 202 can include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) processors, video processors, or related chip sets. The CPU 202 can provide processing capability to execute an operating system, run various applications, and/or provide processing for one or more of the techniques and functions described herein. For example, the CPU 202 can process various commands and perform operations, such as controlling the direction, position, and speed of the motor 201 in response to receiving desired position commands from the external control point 112.

According to an embodiment, the CPU 202 may comprise two microcontrollers. A first microcontroller may be designated as the master microcontroller that handles network traffic, external user interface, application logic, and will keep high level view of the motion state. A second microcontroller may be a slave microcontroller that communicates with the master microcontroller and handles controlling the motor 201 with Hall Effect sensors feedback, as will be described below. This second microcontroller may keep a low level motion state and perform dedicated tasks, such as motor position tracking, motor communication control, current intensity feedback, overcurrent monitoring by constantly reading the hall effect sensor in real time, or the like. However, a single or any number of microcontrollers may be utilized.

The controller 110 can further include a memory 203 communicably coupled to the CPU 202. The memory 203 may store information accessible by CPU 202, including instructions for execution by the processor 202. The memory 203 can represent nonvolatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) or Flash memory, or can also include volatile memory such as random-access memory (RAM). In buffering or caching data related to operations of the CPU 202, memory 203 can store data associated with applications running on the control processor 202.

The controller 110 may comprise a power supply 206 configured for providing power to the various components of the controller 110. The power supply 206 may be connected to a voltage line for receiving an electric alternating current (AC) power signal from an AC mains power source. The power supply 206 may comprise circuit components configured for converting the incoming AC power signal to a direct current (DC) power signal. In another embodiment, the controller 110 may be connected to an external power supply for receiving a DC power signal.

In an embodiment, the controller 110 may comprise a user interface 207, such one or more buttons, configured for enabling configuration of the drapery track assembly 100 as well as receiving position control commands directly from a user. The user interface 207 may further comprise one or more light indicators, such as light emitting diodes (LED) 210, to provide feedback to the user as to the status of saving the low and high end user sensitivity signature values. When one of the sensitivity signature values is stored in the memory 203, at least one of the LEDs may blink, for example three times, to indicate that one of the sensitivity signatures was stored successfully. The LED 210 may turn on and off according to a predetermined pattern, timing, color and function to achieve predetermined lighting effects.

In another embodiment, the controller 110 further comprises an interface 205, such as a wired or a wireless interface, configured for receiving control commands from an external control point 112. The wireless interface may be configured for bidirectional wireless communication with other electronic devices, such as the external control point 112, over a wireless network. The wireless network interface may comprise a radio frequency (RF) transceiver configured for bidirectional wireless communication using wireless communication protocols, such as the ZigBee® protocol, the infiNET EX® protocol from Crestron Electronics, Inc. of Rockleigh, N.J., or the like. In another embodiment, the wireless interface may in addition or alternately comprise an infrared (IR) interface.

The control commands received by the controller 110 may be a direct user input to the controller 110 from the user interface 207 or a wired or wireless signal from an external control point 112. For example, the controller 110 may receive a control command from a wall-mounted button panel or a touch-panel in response to a button actuation or similar action by the user. Control commands may also originate from a signal generator such as a timer or a sensor. In an embodiment, a timer may be configured for transmitting a control input to the controller 110 at a predetermined time. The timer may be set according to personal preferences or for security reasons. In another embodiment, a light sensor may be configured for transmitting a control input to the controller 110 in response to sensing a predetermined level of sunlight.

In various aspects of the embodiments, the interface 205 and/or power supply 206 can comprise a Power over Ethernet (PoE) interface. The controller 110 can receive both the electric power signal and the control input from a network through the PoE interface. For example, the PoE interface may be connected through category 5 cable (CAT5) to a local area network (LAN) which contains both a power supply and multiple control points and signal generators. Additionally, through the PoE interface, the controller 110 may interface with the internet and receive control inputs remotely, such as from a homeowner running an application on a smart phone.

The controller 110 may further comprise one or more Hall effect sensors 204 connected to the motor 201 and configured for determining the direction, speed, detection of a pull or tug on the drape, and position of the motor's shaft. The sensors 204 detect manual movement of the drape 108 for a certain time period. Each Hall effect sensor 204 may comprise a transducer that varies its output voltage in response to a magnetic field. The CPU 202 may employ the information provided by the Hall effect sensors 204 as a feedback for control of the motor 201.

The controller 110 further comprises a current sensing circuit 208 configured for sensing the current drawn by the motor 201. According to an embodiment, the current sensing circuit 208 may comprise a current sense resistor and an amplifier along with a low pass filter. However, other type of current sensing components may be utilized. For example, the current sensing circuit 208 may comprise a Hall effect sensor for measuring current levels. The CPU 202 may employ the information provided by current sensing circuit 208 as a feedback for control of the motor 201.

The controller 110 further comprises at least one button 209. In one embodiment, there are three buttons 209. The buttons are used by the user to setup the touch sensitivity signature values. Button 209 could be a tactile switch or any momentary switch.

A user establishes touch sensitivity signature values by pulling or tugging the drape 108. By physically pulling or tugging the drape 108, the user instructs the draper track assembly 100 what force, touch, tug or pull signature values to use as minimum and maximum thresholds to initiate an open or close of the drape 108. The touch sensitivity signature values for opening and closing the drape 108 are therefore unique to that individual user. Further, the user has a bigger spectrum of setting touch sensitivity values. In one embodiment, the user is able to setup a pair of low end and high end touch sensitivity signature values for each opening and closing of the drape 108. The low end touch sensitivity value is the minimum touch sensitivity signature value to initiate the opening or closing of the drape 108 depending on the direction of the manual tug or pull (e.g., closing direction 116 and opening direction 117) by the user. The high end touch sensitivity value is the maximum touch sensitivity signature value to open or close the drape 108 depending on the direction of the manual tug or pull (e.g., closing direction 116 and opening direction 117) by the user. Both the low and high end touch sensitivity signature values for opening and closing of the drape 108 are stored in the memory 203. For example, in operation, the drape 108 would only move to a close or open position if the user's tug results in a sensitivity value that is higher than the low end touch sensitivity signature value and less than the high end touch sensitivity signature value. Otherwise, the drape 108 would not move and remain in the same position.

Setup for Opening the Drape:

To initiate the touch sensitivity learning mode for low end touch sensitivity signature value, beginning with the drape 108 being in a fully closed position, a user may press at least one button 209. In one embodiment, the user may press a first button for setup mode and a second button simultaneously for opening the drape 108. The one or more Hall effect sensors 204 is configured to detect a manual movement by the user pulling or tugging on the drape 108 towards the open direction 117 for a period of time. The user may tug the drape 108 for five (5) milliseconds to two (2) seconds.

Continuing on to establishing touch sensitivity and referring to FIG. 3, the motor assembly 103 further includes an encoder 300, printed circuit board (PCB) for the encoder 302 and an output shaft 304. The output shaft 304 is attached to the end of the motor 201. The encoder 300 is configured to determine a number of ticks associated with the user pulling or tugging on the drape 108 during a time period. In one embodiment, the encoder 302 may be a quadrature encoder, however it should be understood that other types of encoder may also be used, such as optical encoders, mechanical encoders, etc. The quadrature encoder uses two output channels to sense position. Using two code tracks with sectors positioned 90 degrees out of phase, the two output channels of the quadrature encoder indicate both position and direction of rotation. By monitoring the number of pulses and the relative phase of signals (i.e., two output channels), the position and direction of rotation can be tracked. The controller 110 advantageously counts these pulses to determine the operational and positional characteristics of the drape 108. The number of pulses output by the encoder 302 may be associated with a linear displacement of the drape 108 by a distance/pulse conversion factor or a pulse/distance conversion factor. The controller 110 is configured to determine a low end user sensitivity signature value by calculating the average number of ticks of the encoder 302 over the time period.

The low end user sensitivity value is stored in the memory 203. When one of the sensitivity signatures is stored in the memory 203, at least one of the LEDs 210 may blink, for example three times so that the user knows that the low end user sensitivity value was calculated and stored successfully in the memory 203. In another embodiment, the LEDs 210 may turn on and off according to a predetermined pattern, timing, color and function to achieve predetermined lighting effects. The lighting effects may include patterns, a time display, and a color changing display.

To initiate the touch sensitivity learning mode for high end user touch sensitivity signature value, again beginning with the drape 108 being in a fully closed position, a user may press at least one button 209. In one embodiment, the user may press a first button for setup mode and another second button simultaneously for opening the drape 108. The steps for setting the high end user touch sensitivity value is similar to the low end user touch sensitivity value. The one or more Hall effect sensors 204 is configured to detect a manual movement by the user pulling or tugging on the drape 108 in the open direction 117 for a period of time. The manual movement for setting the high end user touch sensitivity signature value has a higher tug or pull than setting up the low end user touch sensitivity signature value.

The encoder 302 is configured to determine a number of ticks associated with the manual movement during the time period. The controller 110 is configured to determine a high end user sensitivity signature value by calculating the average number of ticks of the encoder 302 over the first time period. The higher the number of ticks for a given time period corresponds to a higher force being applied on the drape 108 being pulled or tugged by the user and consequently the faster the drape 108 is being pulled or tugged. Conversely, the lower the number of ticks corresponds to the lower the force being applied on the drape 108 and consequently the slower the drape 108 is being pulled or tugged. The high end user sensitivity signature value is stored in the memory 203. The LEDs 210 may provide feedback to the user that the high end user sensitivity signature value was stored in the memory 203 by blinking a number of times.

Setup for Closing the Drape:

In another embodiment, the user may continue to establish low and high end signature sensitivity values for closing the drape 108. To initiate the touch sensitivity learning mode for low and high end touch sensitivity signature values, beginning with the drape 108 being in a fully opened position, a user may press at least one button 209. The user may then continue to establish these sensitivity values in a manner that are similar to establishing the low and high end sensitivity values for opening the drape but the user is pulling or tugging towards the closing direction 116.

In Operation:

Now that the low and high end user sensitivity signature values are calculated and stored, the user may want to close the drape. The user manually tugs or pulls the drape 108 for a time period, which could be five (5) milliseconds, in the closing direction 116. The encoder 300 determines a number of ticks associated with the manual movement or operational movement for the timer period. The controller 110 determines an operational sensitivity value by calculating the average number of ticks of the encoder over the time period. If the operational sensitivity value is greater than the low end user sensitivity signature value and less than the high end user sensitivity value, the motor moves the drape 108 towards the closing direction 116 until the drape 108 is in a substantially closed position. Otherwise, the motor would not move the drape 108 but rather stay stationary or at the same current position.

If the user wants to open the drape 108, the user would tug or pull on the draped in the opening direction 117 for a time period, which could be five (5) milliseconds. The encoder 300 determines a number of ticks associated with the manual movement or operational movement for the timer period. The controller 110 determines an operational sensitivity value by calculating the average number of ticks of the encoder over the time period. If the operational sensitivity value is greater than the low end user sensitivity signature value and less than the high end user sensitivity value, the motor moves the drape 108 towards the opening direction 117 until the drape 108 is in a substantially opened position. Otherwise, the motor would not move the drape 108 but rather stay stationary or at the same current position.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart 400 illustrating an embodiment of the present disclosure. The functionality illustrated therein is implemented, generally, as instructions executed by the CPU 202. Flow chart 400 illustrates a method for controlling a motorized drape. The user establishes touch sensitivity signature values for low and high end for closing and opening the drape 108. Initially, the user establishes low and high end user sensitivity signature values to open the drape 108. As such the drape is initially in a fully closed position. In step 405, the user presses at least one button 209 to initiate setting low touch sensitivity signature value. In step 410, one or more Hall effect sensors 204 detects a manual movement by the user pulling or tugging on the drape 108 towards the open direction 117 (e.g., first manual movement) for a first time period. The user may tug the drape 108 for five (5) milliseconds to two (2) seconds. An encoder 300 determines a first number of ticks associated with the first manual movement during the first time period in step 415. In step 420, a controller 110 determines the low end user sensitivity signature value by calculating the average first number of ticks over the first time period. In step 425, the controller 110 then stores the low end user sensitivity signature value in a memory 203.

The next step is to establish the high end user touch sensitivity signature value. To this end, in step 430, the user presses at least one another button 209. In step 435, one or more Hall effect sensors 204 detects a second manual movement of the drape 108 during the first time period. In step 440, the encoder 300 determines a second number of ticks associated with the second manual movement during the time period. In step 445, a controller 110 determines a high end user sensitivity signature value by calculating the average first number of ticks of the encoder over the first time period. The high end user sensitivity signature value is stored in the memory 203 in step 450.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart 500 that illustrates another method for controlling a motorized drape. The user establishes touch sensitivity signature values for low and high end for closing and opening the drape 108. Initially, the user establishes low and high end user sensitivity signature values to open the drape 108. As such the drape 108 are initially in a fully closed position. In step 505, the user presses at least one button 209 to initiate setting low touch sensitivity signature value. In step 510, one or more Hall effect sensors 204 detects a manual movement by the user pulling or tugging on the drape 108 towards the open direction 117 (e.g., first manual movement) for a first time period. The user may tug the drape 108 for five (5) milliseconds to two (2) seconds. An encoder 300 determines a first number of ticks associated with the first manual movement during the first time period in step 515. In step 520, a controller 110 determines the low end user sensitivity signature value by calculating the average first number of ticks over the first time period. In step 525, the controller 110 then stores the low end user sensitivity signature value in a memory 203. The user interface 207 turns on and off at least one LED 210 in response to the low end user sensitivity signature being stored in the memory 203 in step 530. As such, the LED 210 provides feedback to the user that the low end user sensitivity signature value is stored properly in the memory 203.

The next step is to establish the high end user touch sensitivity signature value. To this end, in step 535, the user presses at least one another button 209. In step 540, one or more Hall effect sensors 204 detects a second manual movement of the drape 108 during the first time period. In step 545, the encoder 300 determines a second number of ticks associated with the second manual movement during the time period. In step 550, a controller 110 determines a high end user sensitivity signature value by calculating the average first number of ticks of the encoder over the first time period. The high end user sensitivity signature value is stored in the memory 203 in step 555. The user interface 207 turns on and off at least one LED 210 in response to the high end user sensitivity signature being stored in the memory 203 in step 560.

In operation, when the user wants to open the drape 108, the user would pull or tug the drape 108 in the opening direction 117. The Hall effect sensors 204 detect the operational manual movement of the drape 108 for a second time period in step 565. The second time period may be the duration of the user pulling or tugging on the drape 108. The encoder 300 determines a third number of ticks using the encoder associated with the operational manual movement during the second time period in step 570. The controller 110 creates an operational sensitivity value by calculating the average third number of ticks of the encoder 300 over the second time period in step 575. The controller 110 determines if the operational sensitivity value is greater than the low end user sensitivity signature value and less than the high end user sensitivity value in step 580. If the operational sensitivity value is greater than the low end user sensitivity signature value and less than the high end user sensitivity value, the controller 110 moves the drape 108 to a different position using a motor 201 in step 585. However, if the operational sensitivity value is less than the low end user sensitivity signature value or greater than the high end user sensitivity value, the controller 110 keeps the drape 108 in a current position in step 590.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The disclosed embodiments provide a system and method for controlling a motorized drape as well as establishing low and high end user sensitivity signature values for opening and closing drape. It should be understood that this description is not intended to limit the embodiments. On the contrary, the embodiments are intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which are included in the spirit and scope of the embodiments as defined by the appended claims. Further, in the detailed description of the embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the claimed embodiments. However, one skilled in the art would understand that various embodiments may be practiced without such specific details.

Although the features and elements of aspects of the embodiments are described being in particular combinations, each feature or element can be used alone, without the other features and elements of the embodiments, or in various combinations with or without other features and elements disclosed herein.

This written description uses examples of the subject matter disclosed to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the same, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

The above-described embodiments are intended to be illustrative in all respects, rather than restrictive, of the embodiments. Thus the embodiments are capable of many variations in detailed implementation that can be derived from the description contained herein by a person skilled in the art. No element, act, or instruction used in the description of the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the embodiments unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items.

Additionally, the various methods described above are not meant to limit the aspects of the embodiments, or to suggest that the aspects of the embodiments should be implemented following the described methods. The purpose of the described methods is to facilitate the understanding of one or more aspects of the embodiments and to provide the reader with one or many possible implementations of the processed discussed herein. The steps performed during the described methods are not intended to completely describe the entire process but only to illustrate some of the aspects discussed above. It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the steps may be performed in a different order and that some steps may be eliminated or substituted. For example, steps 505 through 560 may be repeated for closing the drape or steps 505 through 530 and 535 through 560 may be performed in any order.

ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS

Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the different aspects of the embodiments. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for controlling a motorized drape, comprising: pressing at least one button to initiate setting low touch sensitivity value; detecting a first manual movement of the drape during a first time period using a sensor for sensitivity setup; determining a first number of ticks using an encoder associated with the first manual movement during the time period; determining a low end user sensitivity signature value by calculating the average first number of ticks of the encoder over the first time period; storing the low end user sensitivity signature value in a memory; pressing at least one another button to initiate setting high touch sensitivity value; detecting a second manual movement of the drape during the first time period using a sensor for sensitivity setup; determining a second number of ticks using the encoder associated with the second manual movement during the time period; determining a high end user sensitivity signature value by calculating the average first number of ticks of the encoder over the first time period; and storing the high end user sensitivity signature value in a memory.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: detecting an operational manual movement of the drape for a second time period during operation using the sensor; determining a third number of ticks using the encoder associated with the operational manual movement during the second time period; creating an operational sensitivity value by calculating the average third number of ticks of the encoder over the second time period; and if the operational sensitivity value is greater than the low end user sensitivity signature value and less than the high end user sensitivity value, moving the drape to a different position using a motor; if the operational sensitivity value is less than the low end user sensitivity signature value or greater than the high end user sensitivity value, keeping the drape in a current position.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the different position is one of a plurality of positions including a substantially opened position and a substantially closed position.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first manual movement has a smaller tug or pull of the drape than the second manual movement.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first time period is five milliseconds.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the second time period is the duration of the second manual movement.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising turning on and off at least one LED in response to the low end user sensitivity signature being stored in the memory.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising turning on and off at least one LED in response to the high end user sensitivity signature being stored in the memory.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein detecting the first manual movement of the drape during the first time period using the sensor for sensitivity setup is when the drape is initially in a substantially opened position or initially in a substantially closed position.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein detecting the second manual movement of the drape during the first time period using the sensor for sensitivity setup is when the drape is initially in a substantially opened position or initially in a substantially closed position.
 11. A drapery track assembly, comprising: a track; a drape attached to the track; a motor assembly coupled to the track, the motor assembly comprising: at least one button configured to initiate setting low touch sensitivity value; a sensor for sensitivity setup is configured to detect a first manual movement of the drape during a first time period; an encoder configured to determine a first number of ticks associated with the first manual movement during the first time period; a controller configured to determine a low end user sensitivity signature value by calculating the average first number of ticks of the encoder over the first time period; a memory configured to store the low end user sensitivity signature value; at least one another button configured to initiate setting high touch sensitivity value; the sensor for sensitivity setup is configured to detect a second manual movement of the drape during the first time period; the encoder configured to determine a second number of ticks associated with the second manual movement during the time period; the controller configured to determine a high end user sensitivity signature value by calculating the average first number of ticks of the encoder over the first time period; and the memory configured to store the high end user sensitivity signature value.
 12. The drapery track assembly of claim 11, wherein the first time period is five milliseconds.
 13. The drapery track assembly of claim 11, wherein the first manual movement has a smaller tug or pull of the drape than the second manual movement.
 14. The drapery track assembly of claim 11, wherein the sensor is further configured to detect an operational manual movement of the drape for a second time period during operation.
 15. The drapery track assembly of claim 14, wherein the second time period is the duration of the second manual movement.
 16. The drapery track assembly of claim 14, wherein the encoder is further configured to determine a third number of ticks using the encoder associated with the operational manual movement during the second time period.
 17. The drapery track assembly of claim 16, wherein the controller is further configured to: determine an operational sensitivity value by calculating the average third number of ticks of the encoder over the second time period; and control a motor by moving the drape to a different position, if the operational sensitivity value is greater than the low end user sensitivity signature value and less than the high end user sensitivity value.
 18. The drapery track assembly of claim 17, wherein the different position is one of a plurality of positions including a substantially opened position and a substantially closed position.
 19. The drapery track assembly of claim 11, wherein the motor assembly further comprising at least one LED coupled to the controller, wherein the at least one LED is configured to turn on and off in response to the low end user sensitivity signature being stored in the memory.
 20. The drapery track assembly of claim 11, wherein the motor assembly further comprising at least one LED coupled to the controller, wherein the at least one LED is configured to turn on and off in response to the high end user sensitivity signature being stored in the memory.
 21. The drapery track assembly of claim 20, wherein the LED turns on and off according to a predetermined pattern, timing, color and function to achieve predetermined lighting effects.
 22. The drapery track assembly of claim 21, wherein the lighting effects is one of a plurality of effects including patterns, a time display, and a color changing display.
 23. The drapery track assembly of claim 11, wherein the sensor for sensitivity setup is configured to detect the first manual movement of the drape during the first time period is when the drape is initially in a substantially opened position or initially in a substantially closed position.
 24. The drapery track assembly of claim 11, wherein the sensor for sensitivity setup is configured to detect the second manual movement of the drape during the first time period is when the drape is initially in a substantially opened position or initially in a substantially closed position. 